GRADUATE FASHION WEEK - DAY TWO

Monday was my second day reporting from Graduate Fashion Week and I am happy to say the show was once again packed to the rafters - not to mention full of celebs.

After a quick whizz around all the stands (meeting some of the designers who didn't have a catwalk show but were no less amazing) I ran along in the afternoon to see the De Montfort University show where I was frow and centre to catch all the action.

Here I was met with intense colour and creative fabric combinations. Sportswear was clearly a huge theme running throughout with mesh and sheer panels, technical fabrics, futuristic metallics and pastel colour blocking all on offer. Designs were teamed with embellished wedges, running shoes, more backpacks than you could shake a stick at and visors galore.

This was by far the most assured collection of graduates I have seen so far an in particular Charlotte Booty caught my eye as one to watch for the future - so watch this space!

Next I took in another catwalk show, this time from Nottingham Trent.

I found this a slightly more toned down affair and a much more commercial take (which is not a bad thing) and the technical skill of the graduates did shine through, especially with the knitwear, print based and men's tailoring collections. By far my favourites were Laura Grant and Florence Bridge who both presented resort ready collections worthy of any Ibiza going A-lister.

After the show we headed to the drinks reception where champagne, canapés and, best of all, Jamie Laing and Francis Boulle from Made In Chelsea awaited us. After some convincing I decided to stop trying to play it cool and ask for a picture. The result is a somewhat blurry image with my huge grin taking up most of the picture. How Embarrassing!

Whilst I mull over my shame see below for all my picks from day 2 of Graduate Fashion Week.

Natalie Dawson, fashion writer, WWB magazine x

De Montford Univeristy

Alison Woodhouse

Charlotte Booty

Charlotte Casey

El Pattern

Elysia Yeoh

Nottingham Trent

Florence Bridge

Gemma Hayter

Laura Grant

Rebecca Munn

Tamsin Lakhani

GRADUATE FASHION WEEK - DAY ONE

I am very fortunate in that my day job allows me to some great events, including Graduate Fashion Week which kicked off today this Sunday at Earl's Court 2.

I love GFW because everyone just seems so (to bluntly put it) KEEN!

There is none of the jaded "been there and done that attitude" which you can sometimes see at London Fashion Week and everyone is very optimistic about the new wave of talent coming out of the UK's top Universities.

As a result there is a good buzz about the show and on the first day it was packed as usual.

I started my day off with the first catwalk from the University of East London and was instantly blown away with the maturity of some of the collections. Clearly these designers had thought about the buyers, the press, their end customer and everything in-between. My favourite looks were probably the print based collections including Lulu Ghebre who reminded me a lot of Georgina Hardinge. Others that caught my eye were the architecturally sculptural yet feminine collections of Aimee Ward and Uma Kangai.

I then went on to the University of Central Lancashire show before my camera died (apologies for the blurry images) where i found more of the same. Sculpture and beauty from Samantha Messias, prints from Steph Cunningham, including a baroque jacket I just have to have, and the two were combined by Xiaoping (Fiona) Huang to great effect. Accordion trousers anyone?

Below I have highlighted some of my favourites from Sunday's opening shows and I'll be back later with more looks from the likes of De Montfort and Nottingham Trent. Enjoy!

Natalie Dawson, fashion writer, WWB magazine x

University of East London

Terri Leigh Finnegan



Fileep Johan

Tiffany Baron

Aimee Ward

 Lulu Ghebre

University of Central Lancashire

Samantha Messias

Steph Cunningham

Xiaping (Fiona) Huang